Unauthorized Health Product, Slim-30 May Pose Serious Health Risks

OTTAWA - Health Canada is warning Canadians that an unauthorized health product, "Slim-30" distributed in Ontario and Quebec by Duxx Enterprises Inc., contains an undeclared pharmaceutical ingredient similar to the prescription drug, sibutramine. Sibutramine may pose serious health risks, particularly to people with heart problems. Consumers who have purchased "Slim-30" are advised to consult with a medical professional if they have used the product or have concerns about their health.

Sibutramine is a prescription drug used to treat obesity. The use of sibutramine may cause serious side-effects, including cardiovascular reactions, such as increased blood pressure, chest pain, and stroke, in addition to dry mouth, difficulty sleeping and constipation. Sibutramine should only be used under the supervision of a healthcare practitioner. Sibutramine should not be taken by people who have had a heart attack, coronary artery disease, heart-related chest pain, irregular heart beats, congestive heart failure, a stroke or symptoms of a stroke, in individuals with unstable or poorly controlled high blood pressure, or in patients who have clinically diagnosed depression or have a psychiatric illness. Sibutramine is not recommended for women who are pregnant, breastfeeding or planning to become pregnant.

Health Canada is working with the Canada Border Services Agency to stop future importation of any shipments of "Slim-30" by Duxx Enterprises Inc. Health Canada has been advised that the product is being voluntarily recalled to the retail level. Health Canada is taking steps to confirm that "Slim-30" has been removed from the Canadian market.

Drugs and natural health products that are authorized for sale in Canada will have either an eight-digit Drug Identification Number (DIN), a Natural Product Number (NPN) or a Homeopathic Medicine Number (DIN-HM) on the label. These numbers indicate that the products have been assessed by Health Canada for safety, effectiveness and quality.

Consumers requiring more information about this advisory can contact Health Canada's public enquiries line at (613) 957-2991, or toll free at 1-866-225-0709.

You can report any adverse reactions associated with the use of health products to the Canada Vigilance Program by one of the following three ways: